Feed Readers and Blogs

Feed Readers and Blogs:

A Feed Reader allows you to keep all of your favorite blog posts in one spot!  After reading about Feed Readers, I discovered Feedly would best fit my needs.  Feedly is clean and simply.  It appeals to the needs of casual reading and for those who want to take advantage of using every feature.  It supports 100 sources, will sort sites, and even allows users access from mobile devices.  Feedly has a free basic plan that appeals to all my needs but users may upgrade to a Pro account for an annual cost.  I love that Feedly allows users a Team Plan so users may share and collaborate with others. 

Registering for Feedly was simple!  

I signed in with my Google account and had immediate access to searching.  Navigating through the search results was clean and simple.  I was pleased with search results and was able to categorize my results.  Features such as “You might also like…” suggested other sites that fit my search.  Honestly, it takes me a little while to become comfortable with new programs.  I was able to learn quickly with this one.  As you will see on my findings for library blogs, my searches became stronger as I worked with the program. 

You can access Feedly:  https://feedly.com/i/discover

Information credited to:

Volvovski, V. (2019, April 23). The 10 Best Free RSS Reader Apps in 2018. Retrieved from https://zapier.com/blog/best-rss-feed-reader-apps/

Highlighted blogs I found using Feedly:

1.       The MHMS Daring School Library Blog: 

http://daringlibrary.edublogs.org/

As a future librarian that is more drawn to the elementary scene, I wanted to follow a blog who is in the middle school world.  This blog included reading lists and ideas for librarians.  The post “Makerspace For Little or Nothing” caught my eye.  My campus librarian is struggling with Makerspace materials, ideas, and how to incorporate it into the library.  This article gives librarians Makerspace ideas that are creative, affordable, and allows students to work their brains!  The article addresses real obstacles librarians face such as time, work space, and how to use everyday materials.  The article highlights questions to ask yourself while creating Makerspaces for students and how to get them excited and engaged. 

2.      The Daring Librarian:

https://www.thedaringlibrarian.com/

I was impressed with the amount of follows this blog has and the credentials of the blog.  The blog itself is visually appealing and easy to navigate.  The blog offers many features and resources along with the main posts.  I was drawn to the variety of posts.  This blogger seems very dynamic and futuristic.  Many followers comment about using her ideas and how it has impacted their libraries and lessons.  This blog made me excited to learn!

3.      Letters to a Young Librarian:

http://letterstoayounglibrarian.blogspot.com/

This blog had great ideas and resources for the new librarian.  New librarians can read about lessons and games, how to handle difficult situations, and even how to initiate one-on-one conversations with staff members.  I believe this will be a great resource for those of us starting from the beginning. 

4.      5 Minute Librarian:

http://www.5minlib.com/

The “5 Minute Librarian” is meant for quick reads.  Posts are to the point, easy to follow, and very informative.  I can see myself reading this blog very frequently for quick ideas and tips.  The blog features multiple tabs that covers all a librarian would want and need.  This includes book reviews and recommendations, technology, and even spoilers. 

5.       Elementary Librarian:

https://elementarylibrarian.com/blog/

This blog is very beneficial for elementary librarians.  It is unique in that it offers ideas from librarians all over.  Librarians are featured every month and are given a platform to give others advice and tips.  The diversity of ideas and perspectives is powerful to readers.  Lesson plans are featured on the homepage of the blog as well as embedded within posts. 

My new Tumblr:

https://kristialldaylibrary.tumblr.com/

I am trying new things!  Join me!